Improvement in apparatus for separating hydrocarbon oils



3 SheeVts-Sheet 1.`

J. W. CULMBR. Apparatus for Separating Hydrooallbon 011s. Patented July'29, 1879.

SNO. 217,995.

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NAFTEHS, FNOTO-UTHOGRPHER, WASHINGTON. D C4 3 Sheets-Sheet 2.

J. W. CULMER. Apparatus for Separating Hydrocarbon Oils. No. 217,995. Patented July 29,1879.

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Apparatus for Separatin No. 217,995.

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

JOHN W. GULMER, OF PITTSBURG, ASSIGNOR OF ON E-HALF HIS RIGHT TO WILLIAM J. BRUNDRED, OF OIL CITY, PENNSYLVANIA. i

IMPROVEMENT iN APPARATUS FOR SEPARATING HYDROCARBON OILS.

Speciiication forming part of Letters Patent No. 217,995, dated July 29, 1879; application iled June 5, 1879.

To all whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, JOHN W. CULMER, of Pittsburg, in the county of Allegheny and State of Pennsylvania, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Apparatus for Separating Hydrocarbons, which I denominate a Separator-Condenser, of which the following is a full, clear, and exact descript-ion.

In the distillation of petroleum, as at present conduted, the petroleum is first vaporized by direct application of heat to the still in which it is contined, and the hydrocarbons pass out as vaporior condensation in a worm inclosed within a water-tank. These worms are either single or lnultiple in their form of construction, and the hydrocarbons are reA ceived at the end of the Worm in the liquid forms resulting from their condensation. The lightest of these hydrocarbons are never condensed, in commercial practice, but pass oft' at the gas traps-or pipes; and uncondensed hydrocarbons and xed gases are passing oft' through these pipes (hiring the entire time of distillation.

The first of the condensation, and, practically, the tirst liquid series of hydrocarbons, are the lighter of the benzine series, and are turned into their proper tank or receptacle for subsequent treatment as gasoline. This forms the first separation, its limit being determined by the gravity of the liquid at the tail pipes or terminal ofthe worm. When the hydrometer indicates a gravity for this liquid determined bythe still-man, the products of condensation are turned into another tank as heavy benzine, this portion of the hydrocarbons being limited within certain degrees of gravity in a similar arbitrary fashion, and forming the second separation.

When the gravity is reached at which it is wished to turn into illuminating-oil, the products are shifted into still another channel, being the third separation, and at this stage it is customary to turn steam into the worm, the steam-connection being made either into the uptake or goose-neck at the still or at some point in the worm.

The distillate is kept running until it becomes low in gravity and dark in color, when the res are lowered, the result being a distillate of lighter gravity and color, but carrying with it a large percentage of liXed gas, and, consequently, of a low fire-test. When this becomes too dark or too fiery for admission to the illuminating-oil it is turned oft' either to a tank for its special reception or to combine with the benzine of the second separation, this turning in being practically a fourth separation, and this embraces all the nal run of the still.

There may be other separations made during the running of the illuminating-distillate, portions of it being cut out for water-white7 oil or for oils of high lire-test; but in no case can there be fewer than the four separations described.

To obtain the best economic results under this system, the object being merchantable illuminating-oil, the distillate mentioned as the third separation is treated by any approved method, and when bleached and deodorized is the sole product from the first distillation. The benzine of the second separation and the black oil of the fourth separation are either placed together in a still and redistilled under direct heat, in which case their distillate is again subjected to all these named separations, or they are placed in.a steam-still, and the lighter hydrocarbons being vaporized by the action of live steam are carried ed and condensed as gasoline, leaving within the still the heavier hydrocarbons with a higher retest, to be drawn 0E and treated substantially in the same manner as the illuminating-oil of the first distillation.

In any case, to separate the safe burningoils from the dangerous volatile hydrocarbons at the one extreme, and those carrying a high percentage of color at the other extreme, requires a double distillation of at least aportion of the product, and this must be conducive to bad economic results, since it is well established that each new distillation results in a new production of the benzine series and of the tar or color series of hydrocarbons as a result of the application of heat.

The vaporizing of the petroleum brings into the worm at all stages of the process hydrocarbons of differing combinations in a mechanical union only. These have different points of condensation, but during the earlier por.

tioii ot' the run are allowed to run ott with the benzinethat series being in excess at that stage.

During the ruiming of the tliiid and fourth is condensed and coiiiiiiiiigled with them, and in the treatment of thc illuminating-oil this percentage of benzine is sometimes so great as to necessitate thcsteamingof the oil to rid it ot' the benzine. It is furthermore to recover from the benzine those hydrocarbons of the valuable olefine series and such of the benzine series as may be isonicric with them, and torid the black oil from its high percentage ot' the benzine series, that a second distillation by direct heat or application ot' steam is necessary.

In the passage of the hydrocarbons through the worin they talv'c up and carry with them a percentage of the vapor, and prevent its condensation, which causes a loss, in addition to those fixed gases or liydiocarboiis which are not condcnsable at any temperature attaiiiable practically, and are consequently allowed to escape as gas, carrying with them much valuable vapor, which might be condensed unA der more favorable conditions.

The use of steam in the worm causes, by its condensation, alarger volume ot liquid to tiow through the pipes, and ncccssaiily a larger volume of these refractory hydrocarbons are carried oti' uncondensial through their adniixture with the liquid in motion.

The tlow of the liquid products of condensation in the pipes to some extent retards the condensation ofthe vapor,preventing its contact with the cooled surface of the pipes, the liquid product being a pooi conductor, and occupying space which should, as niuch as possible, he devoted solely to vapor. A better rc- Sult is obtained in a more complete condensation of the hydrocarbons by extending the length ofthe worm, and exposing them more thoroughly' and for a greater time to the low temperature of the water-tank; but this result is couiiterbalaiiced in the discoloration ot' the distillate, which seems to be due to its longer passage through the iron pipes, and which rcquires a higher percentage of acid in its color treatment.

In the use of steam in the worm with the illuininating distillate there are several condiA tions common to retining under which the water of condensation becomes so thoroughly commingled with the hydrocarbons as to be difticult of at'ter separation, and to cause the product to be finished finally at the expense ofaportion of its brilliaiicy and burning qualities. Still, the fact that the injected steam accelerates the tlow ot' the burning;l oils and maintains that tlow more nearly atan equable temperature is held to counterbalance this, alA though uiidertlie most favorablecircumstances the separation of the oil from the water requires the expenditure of time. The exposure of the distillate to the air for any length of time is injurious to its color.

In the secondary' distillation of the ends,7

when performed in steam-stills, the distillate, so called, being that portion remaining within the stills after the gasoline has been distilled t over, is subjected to the saine injur but in a separations a percentage ot' the benzine sei ies l greater degree, than the illuminating-oil from the tirst distillation. Aside from this, however, the hydrocarbons of the light series ot' about 600 Baume are mixed with those of the heavy series of about 450 Baume, and are agitated and mingled by the action of the live steam. \Vhen this agitation isover there is left a product having, apparently, a t'air gravity and tire-test. This appearance is due to the fact that the two series are held in mechanical union by the molecular t'oriii produced by the action of the steam, and to some extent by their saturation with the water from its condensation. It frequently occurs that this oil, after standing some days, becomes again separated into hydrocarbons ot' differing gravities; that in the upper part of a vessel is found too volatile for safety, while that in the bottoni is too heavy to tiow up the wick of an ordinary lamp. Such oil is useless, and it would seein that a perfect rcdistriluitioii ofthe carbon is not attainable by such means.

To construct a new or to reorganize an old condenser which will effect the needed separations of the hydrocarbon series independently of any arbitrary rliles regarding gravity, and which will separate the gasoline from the illuminating-distillate without redistillation, and which will produceilluminating-distillate without necessary exposure to steam or air at any point, and which will carry on these separations continuously, the separation of the products of condensation being effected within a flow-pipe or worm intercepted with interval separators,exposingitsfullconductingcoolingsurface to the vapor, and giving the needed separations of the hydrocarbons in a way to give the fullest condensation at every point in the course of the vapor, are the objects ot' my invention.

In thel accompanying drawings, Figure l represents a separator-condenser for hydrocarhoiis eiiihraciiig my invention; Fig. 2 a vertical part section and part elevation ot the saine; Fig. 3, the secondary condenser in section, showing its connection with the tail pipes of the primary condenser; and Fig. 4, an enlarged section ot' one of the vapor-pipes, its separator cross-pipes, and tail-pipe trapcon iiectioii.

I consfruct my coiidensing-worni with the general t'orm now in use ot' two or more parallel iron pipes, A, leading from the still to a point at the end of the water-box at the greatest distance from the still, and I give these pipes a continuousinclination downward from the point at which they enter the top of the tank X to the point at which they leave its bottoni. At a poiiitdetermined upon between these termini l bisect the vapor-pipes A with separator cross-pipes B, ot' a diameter sufficiently large to allow all the tuid hydrocarbons produced by their condensation between, the still and the cross-pipe B to flow wit-hin the pipe B and below the level of the vaporpipes A, which enterit upon the one side and-` leave it upon the other.

I connect the separator-pipes B, by means of a depending pipe, b, with a receiver, C, and the iiuid products descending to and accumu, latin g in the receiver C are carried off throughi a tail-pipe, E, which connects with the re,` ceiver G by means of a swanVs-neck connection,E D, the object of this form of connection beingthat only liquid or condensed hydrocarbons may ow through the tail-pipe E, which I incline to such an extent as to insure the ont-Z flow and that all vapor may be forced to pass through the vapor-pipes A for condensation.

The bisecting pipes ofthe worm I prefer to make of short couplings, one for each vaporpipe, and connect these couplings by short in termediate sections, as shown in Fig. l, because such construction aifords a ready and convenient means of forming the cross-pipes and joining them with the pipes A, and by which means two or more straight worm-pipes are connected in a manner to allow the crosspipes as well as the pipes A to be comparatively free from liquid products, and thereby afford a greater surface for condensation. These cross'pipes receive the liquid from the pipes A, and form part of a straight pipe-worm, and servein connection therewith to effect the fractional separation of' the products of condensation, while the receivers G, proper for such products, are connected with these crosspipes and form traps, by means of the upward bends D in the. tail-pipes E, which connect separately each separate receiver, so that the latter are always kept filled with the distillate, leaving the worm comparatively free from the products of condensation, and forming traps which prevent the vapor following the liquid and the overiiow of' the distillate into the worin, and for this purpose 'the receivers should be about equal in diameter to the cross separator-pipes.

It is by means of these bisecting couplingpipes that I am enabled to use a series of straight vapor-pipes, and obtain the fullest condensing capacity, with an effective fractional separatiou from the worm.

The trap-receivers C, their connecting tailpipes E, and their worm connecting-pipes b are arranged within the condensing-ta1ik,and the arrangement shown of the receivers C allows the tail-pipes E to be placed at one side of' the vapor-pipes, thus rendering the construction compact, and giving easy access to all the joints of' the coupled parts, as shown in Fig. l.

The pipe b, of which there is one to each crosspipe, connects with one of the couplings of said crosspipe, which renders such connection much easier and cheaper than if such connection were made by piercing the vapor-pipe, and gives the advantage of using short sections of piping for the worm, which, in point of eX- pense, is a matter of' much moment in such apparatus. So, in like manner, the tail-pipe upward bends D are of couplings high enough only to keep the receivers filled `with the distillate, as traps, while the bends themselves are at no time lled with the outiowing distillate, but simply serve as overiiow-bends, and prevent the distillate from rising in the pipes b above the lowest point in said bends, as shown in Figs. 2 and 4, so that the upper portion of the bends D and the upper portions of the pipes b are utilized as vapor-condensing parts in the liquid-conduits below the worm 5 but this advantage could not be obtained were it not for the trap-receivers C in connection with the worm.

In the connection of the tail-pipes E with the secondary pipes K, it is important that the steamjet pipes Lshonld be so placed within the secondary pipes as to cross theconnection of' these two pipes above the level of the flow of the distillate from tail-pipes, so as to effect the purpose stated without interfering with the continuous downward flow of the distillate, and Without such disposition and relation of the steam-jets with the secondary condenser they would fail of their purpose.

At the terminus of the pipe E it passes through the wall of the water-tank X, and at a convenient point outside the water-tank and within the still-.house I connect it with a distillate-tank by lneans of the fitting G and the depending pipe H. Between the fitting G and the wall of the water-tank X, I insert the. X- connection F, being a four-way fitting provided with glass disks, through which to observe the color and progress of' the distillate, and I attach to the lower side of this fitting F the pet-cock I, through which I draw off from time to time samples of the distillate to note its gravity and quality. Upon the top of the T-fitting G, or upon a higher fitting, G', of an eXtension,H, of the depending pipe H, I place the funnelcock J, for the purpose of pouring back the samples after examination.

In one side of the top-cock fitting I insert a pipe, K, and through the other side of such iitting l insert the steam-pipe L, passing it within the entrance of the pipe K, as in Fig. 3, that it may form a central steam-jet within a circumscribing vapor-pipe, for a purpose to be presently stated. The pipe K is passed into a second water-tank, Y, and, returning with a continuous inclination downward, is connected to the tail-pipe M, through which the products of the condensation of all the injected vapor pass as gasoline.

At other points between the cross-pipe B and the terminus of the worin I introduce the cross separator-pipes B B B", if so many are required; or, if' necessary, I may construct a worm with more than that number Vof separator cross-pipes. In any case, each of these is constructed and arranged substantially as is B, the details being the sanie in each case, the vaporvpipe K, from the tail-pipe of each separator, passing into the watentaulg` Y and returning to connect with the tail-pipe M, forming a secondary or auxiliary condenser solely for the recovery of the gasoline.

Where I apply my improvement to a condenser having a single continuous vaporpipe, the method of connection between the vapor and tail pipes only differs in the lesser number of connections required and their proportional enlargement.

In operation, the tiow of vapor and its condensation is the same as with the ordinary condenser until the crosspipe Bis reached. At this point all the condensed hydrocarbons are trapped otl' into the receiver C, and the pipes A, between the cross-pipes l and B', are left free for the condensation of the vapor owing through them. The liquid hydrocarbons from the receiver C tlow out through the swans-neck l), which is curved upward to such an extent as to maintain a column of liquid interposed between the receiver C and the outtiow or tail pipe E, but not to such an extent as to cause au overtlow of these liquid products from the cross-pipes B into the coildenser or vapor pipes A.

At B are received the condensed products between B and l', consisting of hydrocarbons of a character different from those received at the cross-pipe B, so also at B und BH; and in each case the pipes are left, to a great extent, free from liquid products, and presen-t a greater surface for condensation of the vapor, while the liquid already condensed has nulch less opportunity to take up and carry off uneondensed vapor, or to become mixed with hydrocarbons of a totally differing character and requiring subsequent separation.

Atthe point where the tail-pipes E pass into the still-house the distillate may be examined through the glass disks ofthe littings F. l prefer to keep all passages closed, to prevent access of the air to the distillate, as well as to keep the still-house free from the dangerous vapor or gases.

At the outliow of the distillate to its appropriate tank through the fitting G any vapor or uneondensed hydrocarbon which may have followed it through the tail-pipe, or which may have been generated during its passage, is forced oi' by the steam-jet from the pipe L, and, passing through the vapor-pipe K Within the water-tank Y, is condensed into gasoline, and carried to its appropriate tank or receptacle through the tail-pipe M, which, with the exception of the steam-jet connection L, is titted in every respect in a manner similar to the distillatepipes E. The steam-pipes L are connected to the boiler or other steam-generator in any approved way.

The tail-pipes E may connect with separate tanks, or they may be connected together, to the end that, if desired, the flow may be made from all into any one receiving-tank, or from two or more into one receiving-tank. For con venience I prefer to terminate the tail-pipes E with vertical branch pipes H, leading down below the level of the ground, the vertical pipe forming a support for the vapor-pipe K and steam-pipe L. This is not essential, however, as the distillate may be led to the tanks by any form of pipe or conduit, so long as the steam-pipe connection is made above the level of the How of the liquid product from the tailpipe E, so as to obtain the et'ect of the steamjet as an ejector of the vapor without interference with the continuous ow of the liquid hydrocarbons.

In practice I prefer to use my condenser at such a temperature that the lightest of hydrocarbons shall not be condensed in the passage through the water/tank X, but shall remain as vapor, to be steamed oft' through the worm or pipes K K and recovered as gasoline without further trouble, and to this end the water-tank Y is kept as cool as possible.

For convenience in operating upon petroleum of a refractory character or carrying a high percentage of the light hydrocarbons, I may insert two or more secondary vapor-pipes, K, with steam-jets L, in each or any one of my outliow-pipes.

l obtain by the use of this condenser valuable separations of the hydrocarbon series, which cannot be obtained otherwise with any approach to uniformity. I may use the product from each ot' my cross-pipes separately, or I may combine any two or more of them, as there is so small a variation in their gravities that they may be combined at once without danger of after separation.

I obtain my distillate in better condition for treatment, more free from discoloration and from txed gas and uneondensed hydrocarbons, and separated from the lighter benzine series without redistillation of any portion of the products. I obtain my products in their proper tanks or receptacles without exposure to the air, and 1 keep my still-house free from dangerous inliammable gas. I obtain a better yield of merchantable products, since I am not subject to the loss from redistillation, and at a lower cost, because not subject to the outlay incident to a second handling of the oil.

I do not claim as new the arrangement of a steam-jet within a vapor-pipe, as I am aware that device has been used under various circumstances and for many purposes, although not under the conditions and for the purpose shown and described in this specification nor do 1 claim as novel the application of a swans neck connection between an inow and outflow pipe for the purpose of preventing the passage of gas or vapor with the How of the liquid and I am aware that fittings have heretofore been constructed and inserted within the outflow-pipes of a condenser through which the passage of the liquid products might be seen.

The state of the art shows that proportional condensation and fractional separation have been proposed with a worm by means of separate tail-pipes provided with traps and leading from an inclined vapor-pipe at points recurring at lower levels thereof, and in which such trap-pipes connect with depressions on the under side of said condensing-worm to carry off the products of the vapors which are condensed, while preventing the vapor from.

following the outow of such products; but such construction is necessarily confined to a single inclined condensing-pipe, and therefore not possible for comprehensive capacity with a system of straight connected vaporpipes, as in my separator-condenser, which in Vsuch apparatus is of vital importance in a commercial sense in rendering such apparatus practically e'ective in carrying out such process economically.

I am also aware that in apparatus for rectifying alcohol a nest of helical pipes or spiralcoil condenser has been used with intercepting receivers arranged upon the same horizontal plane, the pipes entering at one side of said receivers and leaving them on the other side, and from which receivers discharge-pipes for the products of condensation lead vertiJ l straight pipes, A, connected at recurring lower levels by couplings forming cross-pipes B B B Bl, in combination with a trap-receiver, C, for each cross-pipe and a separate tail-pipe, E, having the upward bend D between said trap-receiver and the outiiow end of said tailpipe, all constructed for operation substantially as herein set forth.

2. In a condenser for hydrocarbons, the combination, with the tail-pipe E, of the tting F and pet-cock I, and the fitting G', provided with the funnel-cock J, as shown and described.

3. `In a separator-condenser for hydrocarbons, the combination of the secondary condensing-pipes K and the tail-pipes E of the primary condenser, connected for operation, as herein set forth, with the steam -jet pipes L, entering the secondary pipes above said tailpipes and crossing the outlet-connection of the latter with said secondary pipes, for the recovery of the gasoline from vapor or uncondensed hydrocarbon escaping with the distillate throughthe tail-pipes, or which may have been generated during the passage of said distillate, and without interference with the continuous iiow of the distillate from the primary condenser.

4. A separator-condenser for hydrocarbons, consisting substantially of the primary vaporpipes A, cross-pipes B, receiver C, trap-connection D, tailpipes E, secondary vapor-pipes K, steam-pipes L, secondary tail-pipe M, and Water-tanks X and Y, as shown and described, and for the purpose set forth.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto set my hand.

JNO. W. GULMER. Witnesses:

A. E. H. JOHNSON, J. W. HAMILTON J oHNsoN. 

